My train 2002 - 2003

Hans de Beeck's "My train" appears to be made from concrete, or perhaps a combination of cement and aggregate. This material choice is crucial to the work’s meaning. Rather than using plastic or other common model-making materials, de Beeck has chosen a substance associated with large-scale construction, infrastructure, and often, the built environment. The rough texture and somber color lend the model an industrial feel, in stark contrast to the often playful or nostalgic associations of train sets. The weightiness of the material underscores the labor involved in both creating the model and the real-world landscapes it references. Concrete is poured and molded, requiring physical effort. This process mirrors the way railways and buildings reshape our world. By using such a heavy, unrefined material, de Beeck invites us to consider the social and economic impact of these transformations, urging us to look beyond the surface and consider the materials and labor that shape our surroundings.